PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY NOTICE

Alternative and Renewable Fueland

Vehicle Technology Program

USED MEDIUM-DUTY ELECTRICVEHICLE REPOWER DEMONSTRATION

PON-13-602http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html

State of CaliforniaCalifornia Energy Commission

June 2013

June 2013 Page i PON -13-602

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................4

A. BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................ 4B. PURPOSE OF PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY NOTICE (PON)....................................................................4C. KEY ACTIVITIES AND DATES............................................................................................................4D. AVAILABLE FUNDING AND HOW AWARD IS DETERMINED...................................................................5E. COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION............................................................................................................5

II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................5A. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.................................................................................................................... 5B. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS....................................................................................................................... 6C. MATCH SHARE FUNDING REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................6D. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM AWARDS..........................................................................................................7E. PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP.......................................................................................................7F. QUESTIONS................................................................................................................................... 8G. CONTACT INFORMATION................................................................................................................. 8

III. APPLICATION FORMAT, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, AND DELIVERY............................8A. ABOUT THIS SECTION.................................................................................................................... 8B. REQUIRED FORMAT FOR A APPLICATION.........................................................................................8C. NUMBER OF COPIES....................................................................................................................... 9D. PACKAGING AND LABELING.............................................................................................................9E. PREFERRED METHOD FOR DELIVERY..............................................................................................9F. ORGANIZE YOUR APPLICATION AS FOLLOWS...................................................................................9G. IMPORTANT - PAYMENT OF PREVAILING WAGES........................................................................14

IV. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA........................................................................14A. ABOUT THIS SECTION..................................................................................................................14B. APPLICATION EVALUATION............................................................................................................14C. SCORING SCALE.......................................................................................................................... 15D. SCORING CRITERIA...................................................................................................................... 16E. TIE BREAKERS............................................................................................................................. 18F. NOTICE OF PROPOSED AWARD.....................................................................................................18G. DEBRIEFINGS............................................................................................................................... 18

V. ADMINISTRATION..............................................................................................................18A. PON DEFINED............................................................................................................................. 18B. DEFINITION OF KEY WORDS.........................................................................................................18C. COST OF DEVELOPING APPLICATION.............................................................................................18D. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION........................................................................................................19E. SOLICITATION CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENTS..........................................................................19F. ERRORS...................................................................................................................................... 19G. MODIFYING OR WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION..............................................................................19H. IMMATERIAL DEFECT....................................................................................................................19I. DISPOSITION OF APPLICANT’S DOCUMENTS...................................................................................19J. APPLICANTS’ ADMONISHMENT.......................................................................................................20K. GROUNDS TO REJECT A APPLICATION...........................................................................................20L. AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................20M. No Agreement Until Signed and Approved................................................................................21

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Attachments

1 PON Application Form2 Scope of Work (Template)3 Instructions for the Scope of Work4 Schedule of Products and Due Dates5 Budget Forms6 Contacts List7 CEQA Worksheet8 Local Health Impacts Information9 ARFVTP Terms and Conditions10 ARFVTP Special Terms and Conditions11 ARFVTP-Funding Restrictions Certification

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I. Introduction

A. BackgroundAssembly Bill 118 (Nùñez, Chapter 750, Statutes of 2007), created the ARFVT Program. The statute, subsequently amended by AB 109 (Nùñez, Chapter 313, Statutes of 2008), authorizes the Energy Commission to develop and deploy alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies to help attain the state’s climate change policies.

The ARFVT Program has an annual budget of approximately $100 million and provides financial support for projects that:

Reduce California’s use and dependence on petroleum transportation fuels and increase the use of alternative and renewable fuels and advanced vehicle technologies.

Produce sustainable alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels in California.

Expand alternative fueling infrastructure and fueling stations. Improve the efficiency, performance and market viability of alternative

light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle technologies. Retrofit medium- and heavy-duty on-road and non-road vehicle fleets to

alternative technologies or fuel use. Expand the alternative fueling infrastructure available to existing fleets,

public transit, and transportation corridors. Establish workforce training programs and conduct public outreach on the

benefits of alternative transportation fuels and vehicle technologies.

B. Purpose of Program Opportunity Notice (PON)This is a competitive grant solicitation. The purpose of this solicitation is to fund demonstration projects that convert used medium-duty gasoline and diesel vehicles to all-electric drive. Medium-duty vehicles have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds to 26,000 pounds.

Demonstration projects will: Increase a fleet’s positive experience with electric vehicle technology. Identify conversion compatibilities with specific vehicles and vehicle

classes. Develop guidelines for conversions including, but not limited to, minimum

parts that must be included and minimum installation requirements. Determine the warranty requirements for conversion components. Ensure that any existing vehicle warranties are not voided as a result of

repowering, or comparable replacement warranty is provided. Identify and address technical issues of zero-emission electric truck

conversions.

C. Key Activities and DatesKey activities including dates and times for this solicitation are presented below. An addendum will be released if the dates change for the asterisked (*) activities.

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ACTIVITY ACTION DATE

Solicitation Release June 13, 2013

Deadline for Written Questions* July 22, 2013

Pre-Application Workshop* July 22, 2013

Distribute Questions/Answers* August 7 12, 2013

Deadline to Submit Applications by 3:00 p.m.* August 21 27, 2013

Anticipated Notice of Proposed Award Posting Date September 2013

Anticipated Commission Business Meeting Date November 2013

Anticipated Agreement Start Date November 2013

D. Available Funding and How Award is DeterminedThere will be $1,655,594 available for agreements resulting from this solicitation. The Energy Commission, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to increase or reduce the amount of funds available under this solicitation.

E. Competitive SolicitationApplicants compete based on selection criteria and are scored and ranked based on those criteria. Applications will be recommended for funding beginning with the highest passing score and will continue down the ranked list until funds available under this solicitation are exhausted. The lowest ranked Application with a passing score may receive only partial funding.

The Energy Commission reserves the right to reduce any award. In the event of a reduced award, the Recipient and Commission Agreement Manager (CAM) shall meet and reach agreement on a reduced scope of work commensurate with the level of available funding.

II. Eligibility Requirements

A. Eligible ApplicantsThis solicitation is open to businesses, public agencies, vehicle and technology entities, public-private partnerships, and academic institutions. Every entity that applies under this solicitation must meet the solicitation requirements and must agree to the Terms and Conditions (Exhibit C) and Special Terms and Conditions (Exhibit D).  The Energy Commission will not award agreements to non-complying entities.

To be eligible, Applicants must have a business presence in California, as follows; All private entities must be registered and be in good standing with the California Secretary of State to enter into an agreement with the Energy Commission. If not currently registered with the California Secretary of State, Applicants are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in beginning the proposed project(s) (should the application be successful). For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s Office via its website at www.sos.ca.gov.

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B. Eligible ProjectsTo be eligible for this solicitation:

The project demonstration must be located in California. The demonstration vehicle(s) that will be repowered to electric drive must:

o Be used gasoline or diesel vehicle(s) designed for on-road applications. A used vehicle is an operating vehicle that has an engine that was manufactured prior to 2010 and is not certified to EPA 2010 emission standards. A vehicle sold as scrap or for its parts and not as an operating vehicle is specifically excluded from the definition of used vehicle.

o Have a GVWR of 10,001 pounds to 26,000 pounds. The Applicant’s team must include, at a minimum, the registered owner of the

used vehicle(s) and an established manufacturer of electric drive repowering components.

The established manufacturer must provide evidence of business activity with related to the production of repowered electric vehicles in the above vehicle weight class for a cumulative minimum of one year prior to their application to this solicitation. The types of business activities that would be eligible include design, engineering, vehicle integration, laboratory testing, prototyping, field demonstration, and other pre-commercial vehicle development activities. The types of evidence could include records and other documentation that support the activities described above.

The project must demonstrate the range and reliability of zero-emission electric drive truck conversions.

The Applicant must agree to provide on-going quarterly performance data to the Energy Commission for a period of at least one year during the demonstration phase, which may be included in the Monthly Progress Report or provided separately

Up to $250,000 of the requested funding may be used for electric charging infrastructure support for the demonstration.

C. Match Share Funding RequirementsApplications must provide a minimum of 50% of total project costs as match share. Applications that do not meet the minimum match share requirement will be rejected.

Eligible match share expenditures (cash and/or in-kind) must be reasonable, allowable and allocable to the project as determined by the Energy Commission staff scoring proposals.

Expenditures may be counted as match share only after the Energy Commission notifies the Applicant that its project has been proposed for an award through the release of a Notice of Proposed Award (NOPA). However, match share expenditures incurred prior to the full execution of a funding agreement are made at the Applicant’s own risk. The Energy Commission is not liable for Applicant’s costs if the grant is not approved, if approval is delayed, or if the match share expenditures are deemed not allowable under the terms and conditions of the grant.

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D. Minimum/Maximum AwardsThe maximum award per application is $1,655,594. There is no minimum award amount.

E. Pre-Application WorkshopThere will be one Pre-Application Workshop. Participation in this meeting is optional but encouraged. The Pre-Application Workshop will be held through in-person participation, WebEx, and conference call at the date, time and location listed below. Please call (916) 654-4381 or refer to the Energy Commission's website at www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html to confirm the date and time.

Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.California Energy Commission

Hearing Room A1516 9th Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

Presentations and audio from the meeting will be broadcast via our WebEx web conferencing system. To join the WebEx, the Energy Commission’s on-line meeting service, please use the following instructions:

Computer Logon with a Direct Phone Number: Please go to https://energy.webex.com and enter the unique meeting number

922 395 545. When prompted, enter your information and the following meeting password:

meeting@10 After you login, a prompt will appear on-screen for you to provide your phone

number. In the number box, type your area code and phone number and click OK to receive a call back on your phone for the audio of the meeting. International callers can use the "Country/Region" button to help make their connection.

Computer Logon for Callers with an Extension Phone Number, etc.: Please go to https://energy.webex.com and enter the unique meeting number

922 395 545. When prompted, enter your information and the following meeting password:

meeting@10. After you login, a prompt will ask for your phone number. CLICK CANCEL. Instead call 1-866-469-3239 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada). When prompted,

enter the meeting number above and your unique Attendee ID number which is listed in the top left area of your screen after you login. International callers can dial in using the "Show all global call-in numbers" link (also in the top left area).

Telephone Only (No Computer Access): Call 1-866-469-3239 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) and when prompted enter

the unique meeting number above. International callers can select their number from https://energy.webex.com/energy/globalcallin.php.

If you have difficulty joining the meeting, please call the WebEx Technical Support number at 1-866-229-3239. Please be aware that the meeting's WebEx audio and on screen activity may be recorded.

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Conference Call:To participate in the meeting by phone, please call (866) 469-3239 by 10:00 a.m. Passcode: 922 395 545. Call Leader: Isaiah Larsen.

F. QuestionsDuring the solicitation process, questions of clarification about this solicitation must be directed to the Grants Officer listed in the following section. You may ask questions at the Pre-Application Workshop or submit written questions via mail, electronic mail, and by FAX. However, all questions must be received by 5:00 pm on the date listed in the Key Activities and Dates table earlier in this solicitation.

Question and answer sets will be e-mailed to all parties who attended the Pre-Application Workshop and provided their contact information on the sign-in sheet. The questions and answers will also be posted on the Energy Commission’s website at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/index.html.

Any verbal communication with an Energy Commission employee concerning this solicitation is not binding on the State and shall in no way alter a specification, term, or condition of the solicitation. Therefore, all communication should be directed in writing to the Energy Commission’s Grant Officer assigned to the solicitation.

G. Contact Information

Kevyn Piper, Grants OfficerCalifornia Energy Commission

1516 Ninth Street, MS-18Sacramento, California 95814

FAX: (916) 654-4423E-mail: kevyn.piper@energy.ca.gov

III. Application Format, Required Documents, and Delivery

A. About This SectionThis section contains the format requirements and instructions on how to submit an application. The format is prescribed to assist the Applicant in meeting State requirements and to enable the Energy Commission to evaluate each application uniformly and fairly. Applicants must follow all Application format instructions, answer all questions, and supply all requested data.

B. Required Format for a ApplicationAll applications submitted under this solicitation must be typed or printed using a standard 11-point font, singled-spaced and a blank line between paragraphs. Pages must be numbered and sections titled and printed back-to-back. Spiral or comb binding is preferred and tabs are encouraged. Binders are discouraged. Original application should be bound only with a binder clip.

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C. Number of CopiesApplicants must submit 1 original and 4 copies of the application. Applicants must also submit electronic files of the application on CD-ROM or USB memory stick along with the paper submittal. Only one CD-ROM or USB memory stick is needed. Electronic files must be in Microsoft Office Suite formats, Word (.doc or .docx file extensions) and Excel (.xls or .xlsx file extensions). Completed Budget Forms, Attachment 5, must be in Excel format. Electronic files submitted via e-mail will not be accepted.

D. Packaging and LabelingThe original and copies of the application must be labeled "Program Opportunity Notice 13-602," and include the title of the application.

Include the following label information and deliver your application, in a sealed package:

Person’s Name, Phone #Applicant’s NameStreet AddressCity, State, Zip CodeFAX #

California Energy CommissionContracts, Grants & Loans Office

Attn: PON-13-6021516 Ninth Street, MS-18

Sacramento, California 95814

E. Preferred Method for DeliveryAn Applicant may deliver an application by:

U.S. Mail In Person Courier service (e.g. UPS, FedEx, or the like)

Applications must be delivered to the Energy Commission’s Contracts, Grants and Loans Office during normal business hours and prior to the date and time specified in this solicitation. Applications received after the specified date and time are considered late and will not be accepted. There are no exceptions. Postmark dates of mailing, E-mail and facsimile (FAX) transmissions are not acceptable in whole or in part, under any circumstances.

F. Organize Your Application As Follows

Item Attachment ReferenceApplication Cover Page Attachment 1Table of Contents N/AProject Narrative N/AScope of Work (Template) Attachment 2 (see also instructions in Attachment

3)

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Schedule of Products and Due Dates

Attachment 4

Budget Forms Attachment 5List of Contacts Attachment 6CEQA Worksheet Attachment 7ARFVTP Funding Restriction Cert. Attachment 11

1. Application Form: Applicants must include a completed and signed Application Form shown as Attachment 1. The original Application Form must be signed by an authorized representative of the Applicant’s organization. This signature certifies that all information in the Application is correct and complete to the best of the Applicant’s knowledge and that the Applicant has read and accepts the Terms and Conditions without negotiation if awarded. Failure to sign Attachment 1 is grounds for rejection.

The Application Form shall also include, at a minimum, a project description, project goals, and quantitative and measurable objectives to be achieved.

2. Table of Contents: Applicants should provide a table of contents for their application that allows evaluators to easily navigate application contents.

3. Project Narrative: The Project Narrative must address the elements described below and an explanation of how the proposed project addresses each subarea of the scoring criteria. Applicants should provide sufficient detail so that evaluation committee will be able to evaluate the application against the technical scoring criteria. Limit the project narrative to a maximum of 25 pages total.

The Project Narrative must:

a. Include a detailed description of the proposed project(s), including identification of the entity that will own and operate the proposed project(s).

b. Include operational goals and objectives of the proposed project(s).

c. Explain why the selected project team is well suited, and has the necessary experience and capabilities, to successfully complete the proposed project.

d. Include resumes detailing relevant experience of key team personnel. Resumes must be limited to 2 pages each and do not count towards the 25 page project narrative limitation.

e. Provide a detailed explanation of the market viability of the proposed repower technology including how the project will

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quantitatively demonstrate useful life and durability information in order to obtain approval for sale in California.

f. Describe the proposed strategy for project implementation, including a detailed schedule of tasks, milestones and compliance with regulatory certification process requirements.

g. Include a plan to collect 12 months of performance data.

h. Provide a performance report update at the end of the 24 month demonstration, to be included in the Final Report, which shall assess durability and useful life metrics.

i. Discuss how the applicant will provide a comprehensive vehicle warranty on a component level for at least 5 years given anticipated duty cycles and workload.

j. Explain why state funds are needed for the proposed project to be implemented. Describe how the proposed budget is adequate for the stated goals of the demonstration.

k. Provide descriptions of criteria pollutant, public health, and greenhouse gas emission benefits expected based on anticipated demonstration type, class, duty cycle, and vehicle population.

l. Provide a detailed description of the number and type of jobs that will be created or retained by the proposed project and whether they will be temporary or permanent.

m. Provide a well supported estimate of the future cost of repowering vehicles based on the proposed demonstration project.

n. Describe the amount of non-state Match Funds (cash and /or in-kind) and provide verification and documentation of the source and availability. Provide details (name and business location, type of entity, amount, etc.) for each funding partner.

o. Complement, and not interfere with, efforts to achieve and maintain federal and state ambient air quality standards and to reduce toxic air contaminant emissions

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p. Maintain or improve upon emission reductions and air quality benefits in the State Implementation Plan for Ozone, California Phase 2 Reformulated Gasoline standards, and diesel fuel regulations. These requirements are described in the Air Quality Guidelines for the Air Quality Improvement Program and the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program that can be found at http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2008/aqipfuels08/oalfinreg.pdf.

q. Comply with the prohibition against funding projects that are required to be undertaken by state or federal law, district rules or regulations, memoranda of understanding with a governmental entity, or legally binding agreements or documents. This prohibition is described in section 3103 of the Regulations for the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program that can be found at: http://www.energy.ca.gov/2008publications/CEC-600-2008-013/CEC-600-2008-013-F.PDF.

4. Scope of Work: Applicants must include a completed Scope of Work utilizing the template contained in Attachment 2. Instructions for completing the Scope of Work as well as a sample are included in Attachment 3. The description of activities proposed in the Project Narrative must conform to the Tasks described in the Scope of Work. Electronic files for the Scope of Work must be in MS Word.

5. Schedule of Products and Due Dates: Applicants must include a completed Scope of Work utilizing the template contained in Attachment 4. All work must be scheduled for completion by March 30, 2017. Instructions for the Schedule of Products and Due Dates are included in Attachment 4. Electronic files for the Schedule of Products and Due Dates must be in MS Excel.

6. Budget Forms

Budget Form Attachment NumberTask Summary Attachment 5, Attachment B-1Category Summary Attachment 5, Attachment B-2Prime Labor Rates Attachment 5, Attachment B-3Labor Rates for each Subcontractor Attachment 5, Attachment B-3a-zPrime Non-Labor Rates Attachment 5, Attachment B-4Non-Labor Rates for each Subcontractor Attachment 5, Attachment B-4a-zDirect Operating Expenses Attachment 5, Attachment B-5Match Funding Attachment 5, Attachment B-6

Proposed budgets must conform to the following requirements:

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a. The Applicant must submit information on all of the attached budget forms, B-1 through B-5. Detailed instructions for completing these forms are included at the beginning of Attachment 5.

b. Rates and personnel shown must reflect rates and personnel you would charge if you were chosen as the Recipient for this solicitation. The salaries, rates, and other costs entered on these forms become a part of the final agreement. The entire term of the agreement and projected rate increases must be considered when preparing the budget. The rates proposed are considered capped and shall not change during the term of the agreement. The Recipient shall only be reimbursed for their actual rates up to these rate caps. The hourly rates provided in all B-3s shall be unloaded (unloaded rates must not include fringe benefits, overheads, general & administrative (G&A) costs, or profit).

c. All budget forms are required because they will be used for the agreement prepared with winning Applicants.

d. NOTE: The information provided in these forms will not be kept confidential.

7. List of Contacts: Applicants must include a list of contacts by completing the template in Attachment 6.

8. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Compliance Form: Applicants must complete Attachment 7. The Energy Commission requires this information to assist its own determination under the California Environmental Quality Act (Pub. Resource Code Section 21000 et.seq).

Applicants must complete the detailed CEQA Form and submit it with their proposal. This worksheet will help Applicants to determine CEQA compliance obligations by identifying which parts of the project may trigger the need for CEQA compliance. If the project includes only activities that do not trigger CEQA, such as paper studies, then the worksheet will help identify and document this. Failure to complete the worksheet may lead to disqualification of the proposal.

Applicants must also provide documentation of communication with the local agency with jurisdiction over the proposed project for purposes of complying with CEQA. Documentation such as a completed notice of exemption, a letter from the local agency acknowledging their role in the CEQA process, or a CEQA application to the lead agency that is stamped as received. If no CEQA review would be required by the local agency, provide documentation (letter or e-mail) from the local agency explaining why not.

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Applicants must complete the CEQA process within 90 days of the NOPA. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the award and an award to the next highest scoring project.

9. ARFVTP Funding Restriction Certification: Applicants must review Attachment 10, (Exhibit D) Special Terms and Conditions regarding ARFVTP “Funding Restrictions” and complete the certification on Attachment 11.

G. IMPORTANT - Payment of Prevailing WagesAll applicants must read and pay particular attention to ARFVTP Terms and Conditions, Exhibit C, Section 27 entitled “Public Works -- Payment of Prevailing Wages”. Prevailing wage rates can be significantly higher than non-prevailing wage rates.  Failure to pay legally-required prevailing wage rates can result in substantial damages and financial penalties, termination of the Grant Agreement, disruption of projects, and other complications.

IV. Evaluation Process and Criteria

A. About This SectionThis section explains how the applications will be evaluated. It describes the evaluation stages, preference points, and scoring of all applications.

B. Application EvaluationEach application will be evaluated and scored based on their response to the information requested in this solicitation. The entire evaluation process from receipt of applications to posting of the NOPA is confidential.

To evaluate all Applications, the Energy Commission will organize an evaluation committee. The Evaluation Committee may consist of Energy Commission staff or staff of other California state entities.

The Applications will be evaluated in two stages:

Stage One: Administrative and Completeness ScreeningThe Energy Commission will screen Applications for compliance with proposal requirements and the Grounds for Rejection sections of this solicitation. Applications that fail Stage One shall or may be disqualified and eliminated from further evaluation in accordance with Section V, item K on page 20, which covers grounds for rejecting applications.

Administrative Screening Criteria1. The application is received by the Energy Commission’s Grants and Loans

Office by the specified due date and time in Section I of this solicitation.2. The Application Form (Attachment 1) is complete, and is signed by the

Applicant’s authorized representative.3. The application does not contain confidential information.

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4. The Applicant agrees to the Terms and Conditions (Exhibit C), to the Special Terms and Conditions (Exhibit D), and to meet all requirements of the solicitation by signing the Application Form and not including any statement in the Application that acceptance is based on modifications to those terms and conditions or separate terms and conditions.

5. The application is prepared in the mandatory format described.6. The budget forms are filled out completely.7. The Applicant provides the minimum 50% match share requirement (Section

II C, Match Share Funding Requirements).

Technical Screening Criteria1. The applicant is an eligible applicant (Section II, Eligible Applicants).2. The project is an eligible project (Section II, Eligible Projects).3. Project is located in California.4. Vehicles to be repowered to electric drive and demonstrated are on-road

gasoline or diesel vehicles.5. Vehicles to be repowered to electric drive have a GVWR of 10,001 to 26,000

pounds.6. Members of the project team include the registered owner of the vehicle(s)

and established manufacturer of electric drive components being used to repower vehicles.

7. The proposed project will demonstrate the range and reliability of zero-emission electric drive truck conversions.

8. The Applicant agrees to provide on-going quarterly performance data to the Energy Commission for a period of at least one year during the demonstration phase, which may be included in the Monthly Progress Report or provided separately.

Stage Two: Technical and Cost Evaluation of ApplicationsApplications passing Stage One will be submitted to the Evaluation Committee to review and score based on the Evaluation Criteria in this solicitation.

During the evaluation and scoring process, the Evaluation Committee may schedule an interview for the purpose of clarification and verification of information provided in the application. However, these interviews may not be used to change or add to the contents of the original Application. The interview may be held via telephone or in person at the Energy Commission. Applicants will not be reimbursed for time spent answering clarifying questions.

The total score for each Application will be the average of the combined scores of all Evaluation Committee members.

A minimum score of 70 percent is required for the application to be eligible for funding.

C. Scoring ScaleUsing this Scoring Scale, the Evaluation Committee will give a score for each criterion described in the Evaluation Criteria Worksheet.

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Possible Points Interpretation Explanation for Percentage Points

0% Not ResponsiveResponse does not include or fails to address the requirements being scored. The omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are significant and unacceptable.

10-30% Minimally Responsive

Response minimally addresses the requirements being scored. The omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are significant and unacceptable.

40-60% Inadequate

Response addresses the requirements being scored, but there are one or more omissions, flaws, or defects or the requirements are addressed in such a limited way that it results in a low degree of confidence in the proposed solution.

70% AdequateResponse adequately addresses the requirements being scored. Any omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s) are inconsequential and acceptable.

80% Good

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a good degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. No identified omission(s), flaw(s), or defect(s). Any identified weaknesses are minimal, inconsequential, and acceptable.

90% Excellent

Response fully addresses the requirements being scored with a high degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. Applicant offers one or more enhancing features, methods or approaches exceeding basic expectations.

100% Exceptional

All requirements are addressed with the highest degree of confidence in the Applicant’s response or proposed solution. The response exceeds the requirements in providing multiple enhancing features, a creative approach, or an exceptional solution.

D. Scoring CriteriaApplicant will be scored on completeness in addressing all the bullets listed, and the depth and breadth of the response.

1. Qualifications of the Applicant and Project Team Possible Points 20

Degree to which the project team is well suited and has the necessary experience and capabilities to successfully complete the proposed project.

Adequacy of the applicant and each team member’s qualifications and related technical and business experience, and the match of skills and capabilities to each task.

Degree to which the work effort will be coordinated, how quality control will be implemented and how schedules will be met by the applicant/team.

The quality and approach of the team to provide requisite useful life demonstration or hours of in-use operations.

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2. Market Viability Possible Points 30

The relative compatibility of the proposed project with the intended engine/vehicle class and operation.

The adequacy of the proposed project’s useful-life and durability information needed for approval for sale in California.

The adequacy of plans to address any federal and state safety compliance requirements.

The relative potential of the proposed project to lead to widespread use and acceptance of the repower conversion technology.

Adequacy of the discussion of the current use of the vehicles, existing users of the type of vehicle being repowered, and existing alternatives to electric vehicle repowering of the vehicle.

Extent of the project demonstration’s potential value to all stakeholders. The relative amount of project cost savings, return-on-investment (ROI)

and other economic factors and how the proposed project will establish the technology as a cost-competitive option.

3. Project Implementation Possible Points 30

The degree to which the proposed project will be completed in an effective and efficient manner.

Clarity and completeness of the discussion of the schedule, sequence of tasks, and appropriate milestones of the proposed project.

Adequacy of the discussion of the federal and state regulatory and certification compliance process for electric drive repowered vehicles, and how this demonstration project will contribute to compliance with these requirements.

Degree to which a comprehensive vehicle warranty on a component level will be provided for at least 5 years given anticipated duty cycles and workload.

Adequacy and soundness of the plan to implement the twelve-month data collection requirement upon completion of the repower conversion kit installations, with quarterly (3 month) data reporting intervals for the first twelve (12) months, and then a twenty-four (24) month performance report update.

Adequacy of project plans to provide durability information of the electric drive system components relative to the applicable primary intended service and vehicle class.

4. Project Budget Possible Points 10

Adequacy of the budget for this project and the stated goals of the demonstration.

The degree to which state funds are needed for the proposed project to go forward.

The relative amount of non-state funds (cash and in-kind) allocated for the proposed project and documentation/verification of the source and availability.

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5. Project Benefits and Technology Cost-Effectiveness Possible Points 10

Extent of the criteria pollutant emissions reductions specific to the air districts where the vehicles will be demonstrated.

Extent of the public health benefits and benefits to any sensitive population groups.

Relative amount of the potential greenhouse gas emission reductions based on the demonstration’s targeted type, class, duty cycle, and population of vehicles.

The estimated number and type of jobs that will be created and/or retained by the proposed project, and degree to which those estimates are based on reasonable assumptions and supporting evidence.

The future cost of repowering vehicles and the degree to which the anticipated cost is supported by robust estimates.

E. Tie BreakersIf two or more proposals are tied, an objective method will be used for the tiebreaker.

F. Notice of Proposed AwardThe results of the Energy Commission’s decision of proposed funding level, the rank order of applicants, and the amount of each proposed award will be posted in a Notice of Proposed Awards (NOPA). The Energy Commission will post a NOPA at the Commission’s headquarters in Sacramento, on the Energy Commission’s website, and will mail the NOPA to all parties that submitted an application.

G. DebriefingsUnsuccessful Applicants may request a debriefing after the release of the NOPA. A request for debriefing must be received no later than 15 days after the NOPA is released.

V. Administration

A. PON DefinedThe competitive method used for this funding opportunity is a Program Opportunity Notice (PON). An Application submitted in response to this PON will be scored and ranked based on the Evaluation Criteria.

B. Definition of Key WordsImportant definitions for this solicitation are presented below:

Word/Term DefinitionState State of CaliforniaEnergy Commission California Energy CommissionApplication Formal written response to this document from ApplicantApplicant Respondent to this solicitationCAM Commission Agreement Manager

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C. Cost of Developing ApplicationThe Applicant is responsible for the cost of developing an Application, and this cost cannot be charged to the State.

D. Confidential InformationNo confidential information will be accepted either through the Application process or through the implementation of the funding award. Applications containing or proposing to deliver confidential information will be returned without consideration.

The entire evaluation process from receipt of Applications up to the posting of the Notice of Proposed Award is confidential. However, Applications and all submittals will become public records after the Energy Commission posts the Notice of Proposed Awards or the solicitation is cancelled.

E. Solicitation Cancellation and AmendmentsIt is the policy of the Energy Commission not to solicit proposals unless there is a bona fide intention to award an Agreement. However, if it is in the State’s best interest, the Energy Commission reserves the right to do any of the following:

Cancel this solicitation. Revise the amount of funds available under this solicitation. Amend this solicitation as needed. Reject any or all Applications received in response to this solicitation.

If the solicitation is amended, the Energy Commission will send an addendum to all parties who requested the solicitation and will post it on the Energy Commission’s website at www.energy.ca.gov/contracts.

F. ErrorsIf an Applicant discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the solicitation, the Applicant shall immediately notify the Energy Commission of such error in writing and request modification or clarification of the document. Modifications or clarifications will be given by written notice to all parties who requested the solicitation without divulging the source of the request for clarification. The Energy Commission shall not be responsible for failure to correct errors.

G. Modifying or Withdrawal of ApplicationAn Applicant may, by letter to the Contact Person at the Energy Commission, withdraw or modify a submitted Application before the deadline to submit applications. Applications cannot be changed after that date and time. An Application cannot be “timed” to expire on a specific date. For example, a statement such as the following is non-responsive to the solicitation: “This Application and the cost estimate are valid for 60 days.”

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H. Immaterial DefectThe Energy Commission may waive any immaterial defect or deviation contained in an Applicant’s application. The Energy Commission’s waiver shall in no way modify the Application or excuse the successful Applicant from full compliance.

I. Disposition of Applicant’s DocumentsOn the Notice of Proposed Award posting date, all applications and related material submitted in response to this solicitation become a part of the property of the State and public record. Applicants who want any work examples they submitted with their Applications returned to them shall make this request and provide either sufficient postage or a Courier Charge Code to fund the cost of returning the examples.

J. Applicants’ AdmonishmentThis solicitation contains the instructions governing the requirements for funding Applications to be submitted by interested Applicants including the format in which the technical information is to be submitted, the material to be included, the requirements which must be met to be eligible for consideration, and Applicant responsibilities. Applicants must take the responsibility to carefully read the entire solicitation, ask appropriate questions in a timely manner, submit all required responses in a complete manner by the required date and time, and make sure that all procedures and requirements of the solicitation are followed and appropriately addressed.

K. Grounds to Reject an ApplicationAn Application shall be rejected if:

It is received after the exact time and date set for receipt of applications as identified in Section I.

It contains false or intentionally misleading statements or references which do not support an attribute or condition contended by the Applicant.

The Application is intended to erroneously and fallaciously mislead the State in its evaluation of the Application and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this solicitation.

It contains confidential information. The Applicant does not agree to the terms and conditions as attached to

the solicitation either by not signing the Application Cover Page (Attachment 1) or by stating anywhere in the Application that acceptance is based on modifications to those terms and conditions or separate terms and conditions.

The Application budget does not reflect 50% match of total project costs.

An Application may be rejected if: It is not prepared in the format described. It does not literally comply, or contains caveats that conflict, with the

solicitation and the variation or deviation is material, or the Application is otherwise non-responsive.

The budget forms are not filled out completely. The CEQA Worksheet (Attachment 7) is incomplete or missing.

L. Agreement Requirements

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The content of this solicitation and each grant Recipient’s application shall be incorporated by reference into the final agreement. See the sample Agreement terms and conditions included in this solicitation.

The Energy Commission reserves the right to negotiate with Applicants to modify the project scope, the level of funding, or both. If the Energy Commission is unable to successfully negotiate and execute a funding agreement with an Applicant, the Energy Commission, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to cancel the pending award and fund the next highest ranked eligible project.

The Grant Agreement must be approved at an Energy Commission Business Meeting.

Public agencies that receive funding under this solicitation must provide an authorizing resolution approved by their governing authority to enter into an Agreement with the Energy Commission and designating an authorized representative to sign.

After approval at a duly noticed Business Meeting, the Energy Commission will send the approved Grant Agreement package, to the grant Recipient for signature. Recipients are approved to begin the project only after full execution of the Grant Agreement.

M. No Agreement Until Signed and ApprovedNo agreement between the Energy Commission and the successful Applicant is in effect until the agreement is signed by the Recipient, approved at an Energy Commission Business Meeting, and signed by the authorized Energy Commission representative.

The Energy Commission reserves the right to modify the award documents prior to executing the Agreement.

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